Hi,
Mr. Phil (not to be confused with Dr. Phil) saw his shadow! We welcome his forecast, although, as most school kids will tell you, his predictions are somewhat less than 50% accurate. Still, an early spring would be nice.
For now, though, after a rather slow start, winter is fully upon us. And even though this one has been warmer (relatively-speaking) than usual, thanks to El Niño, winter always takes a bit of adjustment. But adjust we will, and more. The shorter, colder days allow a great opportunity to start planning for …SPRING!
In this issue of the Woodland News, we are pleased to share some ideas on maximizing timber value throughout a woodlot. Your timber is valuable, so make sure that you achieve your goals by planning for today, tomorrow and beyond.
Of course, part of the planning process is keeping an eye on the markets that drive the industry. This month, we share recent developments and provide an overview of the timber industry. Be sure to review the Timber Markets Report for this month for insight that may impact your unique situation.
But please, don’t spend all your days this winter inside. It may be shorter than you think! There is much to enjoy outside, and we encourage you to explore it all. And, we look forward to seeing you at any of the upcoming out-doors shows. (See our schedule below, and be sure to stop by our exhibit booth and say hello if you are planning on visiting any of these great events.)
Your Friends at FORECON
Timber Markets
Lumber prices were strong last winter and spring, soft over the summer and fall, but from what we read and hear, current lumber markets in the region have shown some signs of improvement.
A significant portion of our regional hardwood production goes to the export market, of which China is the largest consumer. Therefore, hardwood lumber markets are closely tied to the Chinese economy. Hardwood exports in 2014 hit record levels and while 2015 numbers are down, 2015 appears to be the second highest year ever for hardwood exports.
Read the complete Timber Markets Review for January.
How to Sell Your Timber
The timber in your woodlot is a valuable asset – not only does it significantly improve the aesthetics of your property, create habitat for a variety of wildlife, and act as an incredibly powerful natural “filter” to improve the quality of water that flows into underground aquifers and rivers, but it has tangible value by providing income as a wood product.
Our staff of foresters and forest technicians are experts in timber inventory and sale design, and will accurately collect all the data needed to assure you of what you are selling and what the approximate market value is.
Forest Management
Geographic Information Systems or GIS is a system that allows us to display and analyze geographic and tabular data. We use GIS to visualize and give shape to abstract and complex data sets. It enables us to take geographic data such as your property boundary and display it over aerial photography. We can then add tabular data such as a point which represents a tally of trees measured on your property.
FORECON Continuing Community Outreach Program
One of FORECON’s primary missions is to help support urban and community forestry practices. Our team of dedicated forest specialists tracks the vital conditions and changes throughout our region, and is intimately familiar with the forces affecting the health and well-being of Northeastern forests.
If your municipal program or community group is looking for an interesting and informative presentation, consider one by a professional natural resources expert from FORECON!
Contact us today to arrange one for your fall program.
Erie Sports and Travel Expo
Featuring Tom Miranda of Adventure Bowhunter
Mar. 4- 6
Bayfront Convention Center
Erie, Pennsylvania
WNY Sports and Travel Expo
Featuring Captain Dave Carraro of Wicked Tuna
Mar. 10-13
Hamburg Fairgrounds and Event Center
Hamburg, New York
Parting Thoughts
Thank you for allowing us to share in your day. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your feedback and observations about the Woodland News, or other questions you may have. We look forward to speaking with you.
All our best to you this winter!
P.S. A FORECON forester can help you develop a complete management plan to maximize your timber and property resources. Contact a forester today.